US Air Force

A-10 Thunderbolt II ("Warthog"): Aircraft profile

admin — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 13:49:35 +0000

Mission

A-10/OA-10 Thunderbolt IIs have excellent maneuverability at low air speeds and altitude, and are highly accurate weapons-delivery platforms. They can loiter near battle areas for extended periods of time and operate under 1,000-foot ceilings (303.3 meters) with 1.5-mile (2.4 kilometers) visibility.

A-10 Thunderbolt II: Three A-10 Thunderbolt IIs fly in formation. A-10s provided close-air support for a scout team that received small arms fire Feb. 11 near Balad, Iraq.

B-1B Lancer: Aircraft profile

admin — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 08:42:49 +0000

Mission

Carrying the largest payload of both guided and unguided weapons in the Air Force inventory, the multi-mission B-1 is the backbone of America's long-range bomber force. It can rapidly deliver massive quantities of precision and non-precision weapons against any adversary, anywhere in the world, at any time.

B-1B Lancer: B-1B Lancers, like this one, provide close-air support for troops on the ground in Afghanistan.

B-2 Spirit: Aircraft profile

admin — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 09:57:06 +0000

Mission

The B-2 Spirit is a multi-role bomber capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear munitions. A dramatic leap forward in technology, the bomber represents a major milestone in the U.S. bomber modernization program.

B-2 Spirit side: The B-2 Spirit is a multi-role bomber capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear munitions. A dramatic leap forward in technology, the bomber represents a major milestone in the U.S. bomber modernization program.

BATMAV - Battlefield Air Targeting Micro Air Vehicle: Aircraft profile

admin — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:06:35 +0000

Mission

The Air Force's Battlefield Air Targeting Micro Air Vehicle, or BATMAV, Small Unmanned Aircraft System provides real-time direct situational awareness and target information for Air Force Special Operations Command Battlefield Airmen. The BATMAV falls into the class of Air Force small unmanned aircraft systems known as micro UAS.

BATMAV: Battlefield air targeting micro air vehicle

Beechcraft C-12 Huron: Aircraft profile

admin — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 10:52:10 +0000

The Beechcraft C-12 Huron is a twin-engine logistics aircraft carrying passengers and cargo between military installations.

Beechcraft C-12 Huron flight: An air-to-air left front view of an 89th Military Airlift Wing C-12C Huron aircraft.

It is the military variant of the commercial King Air aircraft series manufactured by Raytheon Aircraft Corporation. It is an all-metal, low wing, T-Tail monoplane with two turboprop engines.

Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress: Aircraft profile

admin — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 11:04:17 +0000

The Flying Fortress is one of the most famous airplanes ever built. The B-17 prototype first flew on July 28, 1935.

Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress: A left side view of the restored B-17G aircraft "Shoo Shoo Shoo Baby," its landing gear down, on a test flight near the base. The aircraft, which was restored by members of the 512th Military Airlift Wing, is believed to be the only flyable B-17 in existence to have flown combat missions in World War II.

Boeing B-29 Superfortress: Aircraft profile

admin — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 10:55:54 +0000

The Boeing B-29 Superfortress was a four-engine propeller powered heavy bomber that was flown by the United States Military in World War II and the Korean War, and by other nations afterwards.

Boeing B-29 Superfortress: Boeing B-29A-5-BN (S/N 42-93844) with bomb bay doors open. (U.S. Air Force photo)

The name "Superfortress" was derived from that of its well-known predecessor, the B-17 Flying Fortress, and carried on a series of names for Boeing-built bombers followed by the B-52 Stratofortress.

Boeing B-47 Stratojet: Aircraft profile

admin — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 12:42:17 +0000

The Boeing B-47 Stratojet jet bomber was a medium-range and medium-size bomber capable of flying at high subsonic speeds and primarily designed for penetrating the airspace of the Soviet Union.

Boeing B-47 Stratojet top: Boeing RB-47E Stratojet. (U.S. Air Force photo)

Boeing B-50 Superfortress: Aircraft profile

admin — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 13:26:03 +0000

The B-50, the last propeller-driven bomber delivered to the U.S. Air Force, made its initial flight on June 25, 1947.

Boeing B-50 Superfortress top: Boeing RB-50F (S/N 47-144, originally B-50B-50-BO) "Macs Effort" with armament. (U.S. Air Force photo)

Boeing B-52 Stratofortress: Aircraft profile

admin — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:46:06 +0000

Mission

Air Combat Command's B-52 is a long-range, heavy bomber that can perform a variety of missions. The bomber is capable of flying at high subsonic speeds at altitudes up to 50,000 feet (15,166.6 meters). It can carry nuclear or precision guided conventional ordnance with worldwide precision navigation capability.

B-52 Stratofortress: OVER EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- NASA's B-52B launch aircraft takes off carrying an X-43A hypersonic research aircraft on an evaluation flight Sept. 27.

Boeing C-17 Globemaster III: Aircraft profile

admin — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 12:18:09 +0000

Mission

The C-17 Globemaster III is the newest, most flexible cargo aircraft to enter the airlift force.

C-17 Globemaster III: C-17 Globemaster IIIs participate in a four-ship, airdrop training mission Aug. 13 over the island of Oahu, Hawaii. The C-17s are assigned to the from the 535th Airlift Squadron from Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii.

Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker: Aircraft profile

admin — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 13:11:12 +0000

Mission

The KC-135 Stratotanker provides the core aerial refueling capability for the United States Air Force and has excelled in this role for more than 50 years.

KC-135 Stratotanker: An Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker from the 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron refuels a Royal Air Force GR-4 Tornado over Iraq using the multi-point refueling system.

C-130 Hercules: Aircraft profile

admin — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 12:53:31 +0000

Mission

The C-130 Hercules primarily performs the tactical portion of the airlift mission. The aircraft is capable of operating from rough, dirt strips and is the prime transport for air dropping troops and equipment into hostile areas.

C-130 Hercules: A C-130 Hercules flies a training mission that dropped pallets of simulated supplies at designated points in Alaskan Feb. 1. The C-130 belongs to the 517th Airlift Squadron at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska.

C-141 Starlifter: Aircraft profile

admin — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 09:08:52 +0000

The C-141A, built between 1963 and 1967, was the USAF's first jet aircraft designed to meet military standards as a troop and cargo carrier.

C-141 Starlifter: A C-141B Starlifter aircraft is followed by a C-130 Hercules aircraft as the Military Airlift Command planes taxi on the flight line during exercise Market Square III.

C-20 Gulfstream: Aircraft profile

admin — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 10:11:56 +0000

The C-20 is a twin-engine, turbofan aircraft acquired to fill the airlift mission for high-ranking government and Department of Defense officials.

C-20 Gulfstream: 1980's -- The C-20A/B, military versions of the Gulfstream III, were chosen in June 1983 as the replacement aircraft for the C-140B Jetstar. (U.S. Air Force photo)

C-21A Transport: Aircraft profile

admin — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 09:21:03 +0000

Mission

The C-21 is a twin turbofan engine aircraft used for cargo and passenger airlift.

C-21A Transport: Air-to-air right side view of the C-21A aircraft in service with the Military Airlift Command (MAC). The aircraft is leased to the Air Force and maintained by Gates Learjet Aircraft Services Corporation, Wichita, Kansas.

C-5 Galaxy: Aircraft profile

admin — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 13:54:47 +0000

The gigantic C-5 Galaxy, with its tremendous payload capability, provides the Air Mobility Command airlift in support of United States national defense.

C-5 Galaxy: SOUTHWEST ASIA -- A C-5 Galaxy takes off from an airfield at a forward-deployed location.

The C-5 can carry fully equipped combat-ready military units to any point in the world on short notice and then provide field support required to help sustain the fighting force.

C-9 Skytrain / Nightingale: Aircraft profile

admin — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 09:54:25 +0000

The C-9 fleet is located throughout the continental United States, Europe, and Asia. The Navy and Marine Corps C-9 aircraft provide cargo and passenger transportation as well as forward deployment logistics support.

C-9 Skytrain / Nightingale: YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- A C-9 Nightangle from the 30th Airlift Squadron, takes off for the final time after a farewell ceremony here.

The Air Force C-9s are used for medical evacuation, passenger transportation, and special missions.

Convair B-36 Peacemaker: Aircraft profile

admin — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 11:56:23 +0000

The Convair B-36 (nicknamed Peacemaker) was a strategic bomber built by Convair and operated solely by the United States Air Force (USAF).

Convair B-36 Peacemaker: 1950's -- B-36 Peacemaker (U.S. Air Force photo)

The B-36 was the largest mass-produced piston engined aircraft ever made and had the largest wingspan in a combat aircraft ever built (230 ft (70 m)), although there have been larger military transports.

Convair B-58 Hustler: Aircraft profile

admin — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 11:09:49 +0000

The Convair B-58 Hustler was the first operational jet bomber capable of Mach 2 supersonic flight.

Convair B-58 Hustler: Convair XB-58 Hustler during takeoff. Note the landing gear is just beginning to retract. (U.S. Air Force photo)

Convair F-102 Delta Dagger: Aircraft profile

admin — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 09:18:15 +0000

The Convair F-102 Delta Dagger was an US interceptor aircraft built as part of the backbone of the United States Air Force's air defenses in the late 1950s.

Convair F-102 Delta Dagger flight: Convair YF-102 (S/N 53-1782) in flight. (U.S. Air Force photo)

Convair F-106 Delta Dart: Aircraft profile

admin — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 12:16:51 +0000

The Convair F-106 Delta Dart was the primary all-weather interceptor aircraft for the United States Air Force from the 1960s through the 1980s.

Convair F-106 Delta Dart flight: Convair F-106A (S/N 58-0764) in flight. (U.S. Air Force photo)

The F-106 all-weather interceptor was developed from the Convair F-102 Delta Dagger. Originally designated the F-102, it was redesignated F-106 because it had extensive structural changes and a more powerful engine.

Curtiss C-46D Commando: Aircraft profile

admin — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 11:03:07 +0000

The C-46 was developed from the new and unproven commercial aircraft design, the CW-20, which first flew in March 1940.

Curtiss C-46D Commando: Curtiss C-46 in flight (S/N 41-5159), the first C-46 built, and Curtiss P-40F (S/N 41-13997). (U.S. Air Force photo)

Deliveries of AAF C-46s began in July 1942 for the Air Transport Command and Troop Carrier Command. During World War II, the USAAF accepted 3,144 C-46s for hauling cargo and personnel and for towing gliders. Of this total, 1,410 were C-46Ds.

CV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft: Aircraft profile

admin — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 10:33:26 +0000

The CV-22 Osprey is a tiltrotor aircraft that combines the vertical takeoff, hover, and vertical landing qualities of a helicopter with the long-range, fuel efficiency and speed characteristics of a turboprop aircraft.

CV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft: A CV-22 Osprey aircraft flies over New Mexico during an air refueling mission.

Its mission is to conduct long-range infiltration, exfiltration and resupply missions for special operations forces.

Desert Hawk Small UAS: Aircraft profile

admin — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 09:58:28 +0000

Mission

The Desert Hawk Small Unmanned Aircraft System or UAS provides real-time overhead video imagery for Air Force security forces providing force protection, air base defense and convoy protection.

Desert Hawk Small UAS: Staff Sgt. Joesph Vialpando uses a bungee cord catapult to launch a Desert Hawk force protection airborne surveillance system aircraft for a night surveillance mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Lance Cheung)

Desert Hawk is part of the integrated base defense system.

Douglas A-24 dive bomber: Aircraft profile

admin — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 12:07:05 +0000

German success with dive bombers in Poland and France convinced the U.S. Army to acquire its own dive bombers, and in 1941 the Army Air Corps ordered the Douglas Dauntless, which was already in production for the U.S. Navy.

Douglas A-24 dive bomber: Douglas A-24 in flight. (U.S. Air Force photo)

E-3 Sentry (AWACS): Aircraft profile

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 14:54:26 +0000

Mission

The E-3 Sentry is an airborne warning and control system, or AWACS, aircraft with an integrated command and control battle management, or C2BM, surveillance, target detection, and tracking platform.

E-3 Sentry (AWACS): A US Air Force (USAF) E-3C "Sentry" Airborne Warning And Control Systems (AWACS) aircraft, assigned to the 962nd Airborne Air Control Squadron (AACS) flies a mission in support of Exercise COPE TIGER '02.

E-8C Joint Stars: Aircraft profile

admin — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 11:47:48 +0000

Mission

The E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System, or Joint STARS, is an airborne battle management, command and control, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platform.

E-8C Joint Stars: ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- An E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System from the 93rd Air Control Wing flies a refueling mission over the skies of Georgia.

EC-130H Compass Call: Aircraft profile

admin — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 11:01:58 +0000

Mission

The EC-130H Compass Call is an airborne tactical weapon system using a heavily modified version of the C-130 Hercules airframe.

EC-130H Compass Call: An air-to-air front view of a 43rd Electronic Combat Squadron EC-130H Hercules aircraft flying over the German countryside. The EC-130H "Compass Call" aircraft is based at Sembach Air Base. Its mission is to provide electronic countermeasures (ECM) to reduce the enemy's capability to wage war.

F-117A Nighthawk Stealth fighter: Aircraft profile

admin — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 12:43:19 +0000

Mission

The F-117A Nighthawk is the world's first operational aircraft designed to exploit low-observable stealth technology.

F-117A Nighthawk stealth fighter front: A US Air Force (USAF) F-117A Nighthawk Stealth Fighter aircraft flies over Nellis Air Force Base (AFB), Nevada (NV), during the joint service experimentation process dubbed Millennium Challenge 2002 (MC02).

This precision-strike aircraft penetrates high-threat airspace and uses laser-guided weapons against critical targets.